What are the characteristics of spy books based on true stories?

One of the best is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a classic that gives a gritty and realistic view of Cold War espionage.

For beginners, 'The Double Life of Fidel Castro' by Juan Reinaldo Sánchez could be a good start. It offers insights into the complex world of espionage around Castro. It's written in a relatively accessible style.

One characteristic is authenticity. They offer real - life experiences and events, like in 'The Glass Castle' where Jeannette Walls shares her chaotic childhood truthfully. Another is the ability to educate. For example, books about historical events can teach us a lot about that time period.

They often have a sense of authenticity. Since they are based on real events, the settings and details tend to be more vivid and believable. For example, in 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson, the descriptions of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair are so detailed that it feels like you're actually there. Another characteristic is that they can provide real - life lessons. The characters in these books face real - world problems, and readers can learn from their experiences, like in 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson where the fight for justice is a central theme.

The authenticity. Since they are based on true stories, we get a real - life glimpse into the world of espionage. For example, in books about female spies in war - time, we can learn about the secret codes they used.

They usually have a lot of research behind them. Authors of these books have to dig deep into police reports, interviews with witnesses and survivors, and sometimes even court transcripts. 'Helter Skelter' is a prime example. The author had to piece together a complex web of information to tell the story of the Manson Family murders accurately.

The settings in these spy fiction books from 2016 are likely to be diverse. Some might be set in big cities like London or New York, with their bustling streets and high - rise buildings providing a backdrop for the espionage activities. Others could be in more exotic locations, such as a remote island or a war - torn country. The settings help to create an atmosphere of mystery and danger, which is a key part of the spy fiction genre.

Typically, they have complex plots. For example, there are often multiple layers of deception and hidden agendas among the characters.

The top books based on true stories typically have a sense of immediacy. When reading 'A Long Way Gone', you can almost feel the chaos and danger that Ishmael Beah faced as a child soldier. They also have a power to change perspectives. 'The Glass Castle' makes you see the concept of family in a different light, as it shows the complex relationship within Walls' family. Moreover, they are often filled with real - life details that make the story more believable and engaging, like the details about NASA's operations in 'Hidden Figures'.

These books usually blend the known world with the unknown. They take real - life settings, like a small town or an old house, and introduce supernatural elements. For instance, a book about a haunted hospital might describe the normal hospital operations and then add in the apparitions, strange noises, and unexplained events. This contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary makes them fascinating. They also tend to play on our fears of the unknown and the afterlife. Since they claim to be based on true stories, it makes the supernatural elements seem more plausible and thus more terrifying.